Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.

Youth Development (Eddy County)

Plan Goal

This plan deals with Project Work; Special Interest; School Enrichment; Competition; Clinics; Workshops; Outreach Efforts; Record Books; Eddy County 4-H Council; Officer Trainings; Senior Leadership Club Membership; and all related to youth in Eddy

Situation Statement

Youth development emphasizes the importance of four basic human needs of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. Studies indicate that youth whose needs are met in positive ways are likely to develop into active citizens and contributing members of their families and communities. The New Mexico 4-H Youth Development Program and the Eddy County 4-H Program strive for every youth involved willhave the opportunity to participate in 4-H experiences that strengthen a young person’s sense of belonging, generosity, independence and mastery. Current 4-H Programming reaches 20% of youth under 18 in New Mexico. The New Mexico 4-H Youth Development Program and Eddy County 4-H Program are committed to delivering curriculum and related learning experiences for youth in club, school enrichment, and special interest. Work in this area includes 4-H and other youth programs and activities that promote positive youth development. These educational activities facilitate the development of life skills, citizenship and leadership, fostering a sense of belonging and independence, providing opportunities for mastery, and creating a spirit of generosity. Through projects and activities in 4-H, youth have many opportunities to develop life and leadership skills that include responsibility, self-confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, teamwork and decision making. These skills are introduced, developed and expanded throughout a lifetime.

Target Audience and Actions

Youth ages 5 to 19 in Eddy County are targeted to learn life, leadership, and citizenship skills through: Project Work, Special Interest Groups, School Enrichment, Competitive Events, Fairs, Clinics, Workshops, Record Books, Community Service, Public Speaking, and serving in Elected/Appointed Offices. The Eddy County 4-H Extension Agents and Staff will serve youth audience in the county situations.

Short-Term Objectives

1. During the 4-H program year, 40% of youth involved in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as clinics, project meetings, workshops, etc. 2. During the 4-H program year, 40% of youth involved in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities. 3. During the 4-H program year, 30% of youth enrolled in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events. 4. During the 4-H program year, 50% of youth in club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential. 5. During the 4-H program year, 40% of youth in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events. 6. During the 4-H program year, 20% of youth in the 4-H club program will begin establishing partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

Medium-Term Objectives

7. 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc. 8. 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities. 9. 40% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events. 10. 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential. 11. 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events. 12. 50% of youth with 2-3 years of experience in the 4-H club program will establish partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

Long-Term Objectives

13. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will learn subject matter concepts through hands-on experiences such as camps, clinics, workshops, etc. 14. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H programming will develop life skills through project work, competitive events, real-life situations and career exploration opportunities. 15. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H will gain public speaking skills, strengthening communication and organization abilities and self-concept, through speaking at club, school enrichment and special interest events. 16. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in 4-H club, school enrichment, special interest and county 4-H events will develop cognitive skills, teamwork, leadership and citizenship potential. 17. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will gain leadership and teamwork skills through leadership opportunities at the club, county and state levels and demonstrate effective leadership and teamwork skills to local community members, organizations and projects, and provide primary leadership to statewide events. 18. 50% of youth with at least 4 years of experience in the 4-H club program will have established partnerships with local administrators and community leaders, effectively managing programs and facilitating change through youth/adult partnerships.

Evaluation Plan

Event/Workshop Evaluations: Evaluations will be conducted through surveys conducted for at least 50% of workshops and 60% of major events in Eddy County. Surveys are designed to measure effectiveness of program, life & leadership skills learned and self-concept of youth participants. (May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16 or 19) Appropriate Curriculum Evaluation Instruments: Various Curriculum will contain evaluation instruments specifically designed for that curriculum. Evaluations will be conducted at 50% of all workshops or major events utilizing curriculum. (May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17 and 18) Qualitative data collected through 4-H Record Books: Review of County Record Books submitted by 4-H youth will provide tools for evaluating the long term effects of programming on life skills, public speaking, leadership and citizenship, as well as future and career plans of 4-H members. (May apply to objectives: 1-6, 8-13 or 15-20) Life Skills Evaluation System: designed to measure life skills related to decision making, wise use of resources, communication, accepting differences, leadership, useful/marketable skills, healthy life style choices and self-responsibility, this tool allows staff to tailor surveys to the appropriate topic and receive feedback on life skills learned through in-depth programming. Agents will utilize this instrument in conducting ongoing evaluation related to youth programming for members in 6th grade and above with at least 6 hours of contact time. (May apply to objectives: 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 21) Generosity – May apply to objectives: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 or 19. Mastery – May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19. Independence – May apply to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.